Media Contact:
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t_peters@culinary.edu
St. Helena, CA – Rajat Parr, a 1996 graduate of The
Culinary Institute of America and now a world-renowned sommelier,
delivered the commencement address at the college's Napa Valley campus
on Friday, March 21. Parr graduated from the CIA intending to be a chef,
but discovered wine is his true passion. He encouraged the 31 graduates
to also follow their passion and stay inspired, even if a job they've
been given is monotonous.
"Remember you're going somewhere, so don't stop learning," Parr
advised the recipients of associate in occupational studies (AOS)
degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. "Even if it's a
mindless job, you have to keep on learning. That's very important."
Parr shared a story of working as an intern for a winery and being
assigned to box wine bottles. He used the opportunity to post notes with
wine terms and study while he worked. Today, Parr owns two California
wineries and serves as wine director for Michael Mina Group's 20
restaurants.
Parr has earned numerous industry awards, including the
James Beard Best New Restaurant Award for RN7; a James Beard Cookbook Award for
a book he co-authored, Secrets of the
Sommeliers; and a Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Wine & Spirits
Professional. He has also been recognized as one of 2009's top sommeliers by Food & Wine magazine, and has won
the Wine Spectator Grand Award of Excellence for his wine lists at both Michael
Mina restaurant and Fifth Floor.
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image
CIA alumnus Rajat Parr addresses
graduates of the college's culinary arts and baking & pastry arts degree
programs. Parr is currently a world-renowned sommelier. (Photo credit: Kristen Loken/CIA)
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in
culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and culinary science, as well as
certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage studies. As the
world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership in the
areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines &
cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network of 46,000
alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz,
Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also offers courses for
professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting services in support of
innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The college has
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